TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida is on the path to recovery and healing. Within a two week span, two deadly hurricanes hit the West Coast, leaving a path of destruction.

There were so many communities that were barely rebounding from Hurricane Helene, then Milton made landfall right on its heels.

The agony is tenfold as residents were either forced to evacuate a second time — leaving town or taking shelter at an emergency pop-up center, going through another round of repairs and debris cleanup, navigating floodwaters and going days without power. 

Families in the Tampa Bay area are resilient. Everyone is coming together, trying to bounce back to the community they know. There are still neighbors wading through high flood waters, trying to replace their spoiled food from loss of power, and most importantly, seeking assistance from all leaders.

Today’s episode of ‘Rooted in Progress’ is all about community in the hurricanes’ aftermath. We are joined by Sarasota Mayor Liz Alpert. Hurricane Milton made landfall in Siesta Key a week ago. We check-in with her to discuss recovery efforts in that area. She will also be answering your questions directly on the WFLA Facebook page. 

This time of recovery has also been about neighbors helping neighbors, lending a hand in any way, shape or form. Local rapper Tom G has provided more than a thousand free meals to families in low-income areas affected by the storm. He speaks on his humanitarian efforts and shares where you can get your next lunch or dinner.